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Original poster

Please please please help me find a book to read ...

42 replies

ClaraFox · 03/03/2014 12:04

I used to read all the time and I don't know what happened. I really struggle to get into anything these days. I've got a million samples on my kindle and just can't seem to move past the first chapter or two with anything!

I want something gripping and engaging from the first page. I want it to be easy reading. I like thrillers , psychological thrillers, police stuff, don't mind decent chick lit. I tried to read ' the book thief ' this weekend and absolutely hated it. I don't like Norwegian stuff. I hated Heft. I couldn't get into the Goldfinch. Same with Gone Girl. Got some way into Agatha Raisin and lost interest. Ditto with Robert Galbraith.

Please please - any recommendations for something that's going to instantly grab me?

I know it sounds stupid but I'm actually concerned that I can no longer read properly! Just seem to lack concentration so I think I need something fast paced, absorbing or exciting.

OP posts:
DorothyGherkins · 03/03/2014 17:35

If you like her style of writing, I also loved her story about a young girl who collected fossils. I thought it was an amazing storyline - then found out it was an almost true story. Its called Remarkable Creatures. I used to be able to read really long difficult books, but I ve lost the concentration these days, Falling Angels is my all time fave tho.

Original poster
ClaraFox · 03/03/2014 17:22

couldn't get into the goldfinch at all

not heard of the shining girls?

have you heard of ' the.never list? '

OP posts:
Cheboludo · 03/03/2014 17:21

Clara, I completely agree re Sophie Hannah. Her most recent books have been truly dreadful and in dire need of serious trimming and editing.
I don't want to say too much about Alex but it surprised me, which is rare for a thriller or crime novel. I'm also trying get the courage to read The Shining Girls but, as the synopsis gave me nightmares, I'm being cowardly.

MrsCornish · 03/03/2014 17:08

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is gripping me, right now.

Original poster
ClaraFox · 03/03/2014 17:07

Ooh that sounds interesting Dorothy. I'm going to download it.

Smile
OP posts:
DorothyGherkins · 03/03/2014 16:59

My favourite book for an easy read is Falling Angels, by Tracey Chevalier (Girl with Pearl Earring.) To give you a taster, it starts with two married people in bed, only they arent married to each other! Really believable storyline, some good for thought, and a few dark bits. And so so easy to read. Historically interesting too from female point of view. Have I sold it to you?

Original poster
ClaraFox · 03/03/2014 16:58

translated from Russian? I dislike the translated from norwegian ones because the dialogue seems so clunky - is this easier to read? I shall go.check it out. thanks

OP posts:
BelleOfTheBorstal · 03/03/2014 16:52

I am currently reading The Night Watch Triology for the third time.
I'd recommend them highly, translated from Russian, really gripping but also not heavy reads.
Written by Sergei Lukyanenko.

Original poster
ClaraFox · 03/03/2014 16:51

I'm.going to.check.all.these out

thank you

I used to enjoy Sophie hannahs books until a ludicrous one about a murder being witnessed online in a home. was unable to suspend my disbelief

part of my problem lately is definitely being easily distracted so I want something easy but instantly gripping

OP posts:
KittensoftPuppydog · 03/03/2014 16:44

Loss of light by DM stone. Black comedy thriller about neighbour wars.

Cheboludo · 03/03/2014 16:24

I finished Alex by Pierre Lemaitre last night and it's the best thriller / crime novel I've read for a long time. For the first 50 pages I thought it might be a torture porn type thriller but, even though there are some descriptions of pretty graphic violence, the violence is never gratuitous. Alex is a fantastic character, as is Camille the 4ft 11-ish police detective.

Other than that, I think Sophie Hannah's early novels are excellent (if a little long-winded). Both The Rosie Project and Longbourn are great books if you fancy something less crime-y.

MadamBatShit · 03/03/2014 16:18

The Passage, Justin Cronin. Gripping stuff. Addictive.

DuchessofMalfi · 03/03/2014 13:09

I started listening to an audio book of Kiss Me First this morning. Good so far. So that's another possibility Smile

missmargot · 03/03/2014 12:11

Kiss Me First? Not quite a thriller but certainly gripping and a very interesting take on online identities.

Original poster
ClaraFox · 03/03/2014 12:10

I tend to procrastinate a lot now when it comes to reading. Instead of the getting on with it, I'll spend half an hour reading the reviews. Avoidance tactics.

I think FB and MN have made it easy to just flit about the place with no commitment !

OP posts:
Original poster
ClaraFox · 03/03/2014 12:09

I saw that the other day. It's got good reviews hasn't it?

I shall download a sample and give it a go. Thanks!

OP posts:
DuchessofMalfi · 03/03/2014 12:08

How about The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion? It's a gentle, engaging story with some great characters. Really enjoyable read, not too taxing, easy to follow story with some great laugh-out-loud scenes.

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